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Georgia Tech Stuns Virginia, Advances to ACC Tournament Quarterfinals
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A dominant performance by Duncan Powell,who scored 21 points,and Baye Ndongo,who secured his ninth double-double in the last 11 games,propelled 8th-seeded Georgia tech to a 66-60 victory over No. 9 seed Virginia in the second round of the 2025 T. Rowe Price ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament. Naithan George also played a crucial role, nearly achieving a triple-double in the Wednesday contest held at the Spectrum Center. The Yellow Jackets’ triumph marks their first ACC quarterfinal appearance as their 2021 tournament title run.
The Georgia Tech Yellow jackets (17-15) are now set to face the tournament’s top seed and nation’s number one ranked team, Duke (28-3), in the ACC quarterfinals. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for noon on Thursday and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. This victory not only propels Tech into the ACC quarterfinals for the first time in four years but also signifies an critically important win against longtime rival Virginia.
Breaking the Losing Streak
The win against Virginia was particularly notable for Georgia Tech, as it marked their first victory over the Cavaliers as Jan. 9, 2016, effectively ending a nine-year, 13-game losing streak.This victory holds immense importance for the program and its fans, signaling a potential shift in the team’s trajectory.
After trailing by as many as seven points in the first half, Georgia Tech rallied to close the opening period with a 13-6 run, tying the game at halftime (25-25).The Yellow Jackets maintained their momentum after the break, never relinquishing the lead. Despite seeing a 13-point advantage dwindle to just two points in the final minute, Naithan George stepped up, sinking two crucial free throws. He then forced a turnover on the ensuing possession and added two more free throws to secure the hard-fought victory.
Key Performances
Duncan Powell, making his ACC Tournament debut, lead the charge with 21 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting performance, including 9-of-12 from inside the arc. The Yellow Jackets dominated in the paint, outscoring Virginia 40-24, and held a significant 13-4 advantage in second-chance points. Baye Ndongo further solidified Tech’s dominance inside, contributing 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds, marking his 13th double-double of the season.
Naithan George orchestrated the offense from the point guard position, amassing 13 points, a career-high 10 rebounds, and a game-high eight assists. His near triple-double performance was instrumental in the Yellow Jackets’ success.
Collectively, Duncan Powell, Baye Ndongo, and Naithan George accounted for 50 of Georgia Tech’s 66 points, 23 of its 44 rebounds, and nine of its 10 assists, highlighting their pivotal roles in the victory.
For Virginia (15-18), Issac McKneely led all scorers with 27 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Georgia Tech’s balanced attack and persistent performance.
Post-Game Notes and Key Stats
- Georgia tech and Duke last met in the ACC Tournament in the championship game of the 2010 tournament in Greensboro, N.C.,where the blue Devils emerged victorious with a score of 65-61. Tech’s overall record against Duke in the tournament stands at 3
Georgia Tech’s Upset Victory: A Deep Dive into ACC Tournament Dynamics
Did you know that Georgia Tech’s recent win over Virginia marked the end of a nine-year losing streak against the Cavaliers? This stunning upset reveals significant shifts in ACC basketball power dynamics.
Interviewer: Dr. Anya sharma, welcome. As a renowned expert in college basketball analytics and ACC tournament history, your insights into Georgia Tech’s extraordinary victory over Virginia are invaluable.Can you elaborate on the significance of this win for the Yellow Jackets?
Dr. Sharma: The Georgia Tech victory over Virginia signifies much more than just a single game. This win represents a critical turning point in the program’s trajectory, breaking a lengthy losing streak against a formidable opponent. For Georgia Tech, this wasn’t just a win; it was a statement—a declaration that they’re a force to be reckoned with in the ACC. This win against Virginia, with a final score of 66-60, showcases a significant improvement in the Yellow jackets’ competitive standing within the conference. Analyzing the performance metrics—points scored, rebounds secured, and assists—clearly indicated a tactical shift and improved player execution. This type of win generates momentum, considerably boosting players’ confidence and the overall team morale for the remainder of the tournament.
Interviewer: The game saw exceptional performances from several Georgia Tech players. Can you highlight the key contributors and their impact on the outcome?
Dr. Sharma: absolutely.Duncan Powell’s 21 points, fueled by an efficient 9-of-14 shooting performance, were undoubtedly crucial. His ability to score consistently,especially inside the arc,proved pivotal in Georgia Tech’s success. Furthermore, Baye Ndongo’s double-double— a critical component of the Yellow Jackets’ dominant inside game — solidified their control in the paint. His 16 points and 10 rebounds showcased his significant impact on both offence and defense. And Naithan George’s near triple-double— 13 points, a career-high 10 rebounds, and 8 assists—illustrated his all-around excellence and orchestrated the team’s offensive rhythm.Their combined contributions totaled an impressive 50 points, showcasing truly exceptional teamwork.These three players,collectively,displayed strong offensive prowess,contributing significantly to securing the win over Virginia.
Interviewer: This upset win sets up a challenging quarterfinal matchup against Duke, the top seed. What are the key factors that will determine the outcome of this game?
Dr.sharma: The upcoming game against Duke, a top contender, necessitates an even higher level of performance and strategic planning from the Yellow Jackets.Key factors for Georgia Tech’s success will be: Maintaining their inside dominance: Continuing their effectiveness in the paint, which was key against Virginia, is crucial. Sustaining offensive efficiency: replicating, or improving upon, Powell’s shooting accuracy and George’s playmaking will be vital. defensive intensity: They’ll need to defend duke’s strong offensive players effectively,minimizing their scoring opportunities. The ability to limit turnovers and capitalize effectively on offensive rebounds will greatly impact the game’s outcome. Duke’s strength lies in powerful offensive plays, whereas Georgia Tech exhibited a stronger collective performance in their last game—making this a very interesting matchup.
Interviewer: Beyond the immediate implications, what are the long-term implications of this victory for Georgia Tech’s basketball program?
Dr. Sharma: This win could significantly impact Georgia Tech’s long-term prospects. It serves as a substantial boost to recruiting efforts, enhancing the program’s appeal to prospective players. The victory also underscores the coaching staff’s ability to lead the team through adversity, build team cohesion, and develop effective game strategies. moreover, it elevates the program’s national profile, attracting more media attention and fan interest. It’s also a significant win to consider in terms of overall program momentum and improving their standing within the top ACC programs in the years to come. Breaking that long losing streak is significant psychologically for the players, providing valuable confidence.
Interviewer: what are your predictions for Georgia Tech’s performance in the remaining ACC Tournament games?
Dr. Sharma: Predicting the future in sports is always challenging, though, given their current momentum and the team’s performance against Virginia, I believe Georgia Tech possesses the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Their ability to adapt to different opponents, manage pressure situations, and consistently maintain their high level of play will determine the extent of their success. They are a team to watch closely this year.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma,thank you for your insightful analysis. This has provided our readers with a much deeper understanding of Georgia Tech’s remarkable victory. We invite our readers to share their own insights and thoughts on the game in the comments section below and to share this interview with on social media!
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